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Twitter adds 'always use HTTPS' option for encrypted tweet surfing

March 16, 2011 | 7:17
pm

Twitter has rolled out an added security feature for those using its website -- an "always use HTTPS" option.

"Using HTTPS for your favorite Internet services is particularly important when using them over unsecured Wi-Fi connections," said Twitter spokeswoman Carolyn Penner in a blog post announcing the option. "For some time, users have been able to use Twitter via HTTPS by going to https://twitter.com. We've made it simpler for users to do this by adding the option to always use HTTPS."

HTTPS websites identify sites that are encrypted to protect the data displayed and transmitted on the site.

So, in the case of Twitter, the HTTPS Web address versus the standard HTTP URL includes a layer of encrypted protection that can keep hackers who may be near from sifting through a Twitter user's activities to lift passwords or even read direct messages and posts on private accounts.

HTTPS encryption is used by many online shopping and banking websites and, for those who often surf the Web in public places -- such as a school campus, workplace or local coffee shop.

For Twitter users who want to use the HTTPS option, it can be made the default when browsing the micro-blogging service's site by going into user settings and checking a box next to "always use HTTPS" at the bottom of that page.

In the future, Penner said, Twitter is looking at making HTTPS the default setting for all users.